The character was always religious, as it was organized to celebrate a Saint. Most of the time it lasts two days. The religious ceremonies at the church are followed by entertainment. After the service in the churches and monasteries and the procession of the icons, there is a big trade fair with stalls, music and dance events, and parties until morning. For many years it was a custom of rural Greece that took place in cafes and squares of the villages, but over the years it was transferred to the cities. However, over time, its main role was transformed from a field of emotion and culture into an annual celebration of "associations" of local small communities. Most often there is a peak during the third month of summer, before and after the 15th of August, as it coincides with the great religious holiday of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary.
And while many believe that this is a tradition that is found only in the province, many festivals take place in August in Attica. Especially during the years of economic crisis, when the holiday season and the planning of long trips have been significantly reduced and most of them are content with short getaways - mainly some short visits to their place of origin - the festivals are included in the popular choices of those who spend the summer in the city. Also, note that many have exhausted their leave in July, and in August have only to stay in the capital. Therefore, many Athenians are looking for ways out and ways to have fun inside the ‘gates of the city’.
Here is a nice opportunity to get to know places, areas, customs, traditions, and events in August Athens, which invites us to explore it. The festivals are many and are a good solution for an outing, while getting a taste of the village celebration, within the boundaries of the Prefecture of Attica.
At the beginning of the month, therefore, on the two days of August 5 and 6, the Holy Church of the Transfiguration Sotiros celebrates in the area of Metamorphosis at the intersection of Chlois and Odysseos streets. The evening is usually followed by a party in Heroes Square on Georgios Papandreou Avenue, where big names of the municipal repertoire participate.
Also, in the neighboring area of Lykovrisi, on the 9th and 10th of August, the festival of Agia Irini Chrysovalantou is held. The monastery follows the old calendar, so its memory is celebrated on August 10 and not on July 28.
Of course, most celebrations and festivals are multiplied between August 13, 14, 15, and 16, when events take place in areas such as Porto Rafti, Marousi, as well as Kolonos. Porto Rafti also gives a good opportunity for a walk by the sea, while in the northern suburbs, specifically in Marousi, crowds flock for the feast of the Holy Church of the Assumption of the Virgin. At the same time, the aroma of tradition prevails strongly in the area of Hasia, where the Patron Saint Panagia is honored by the Municipal Unit of Fili with a three-day feast on the 14th, 15th, and 16th of August. Well-known stars of popular music take part in it. The three-day cultural and festive events in Hasia are one of the great social events that take place in Attica in the middle of summer. Tradition, joy, enthusiasm, intoxication, and fun in a celebration that has nothing to envy from what is happening in the islands and mainland Greece.
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In the last days of August, you can visit the festival organized on the 22nd and 23rd of August in honor of Panagia Faneromeni in Cholargos. With all formality, every year worship events are held, while in the evening the necessary traffic regulations are made on the homonymous street for the convenience of visitors.
On the 26th and 27th of August, in honor of Agios Fanourios, festivals are held in Ilion and Drapetsona, while on the 28th and 29th of August there is a festival in Neos Kosmos, in the Church of Agios Ioannis on Vouliagmeni Avenue, as well as in Agios Ioannis in Rentis. Finally, just before the arrival of autumn and the end of the summer, we can move near the sea, where on August 29 and 30 Saint Alexander is celebrated in Paleo Faliro, while very close to the center of Athens on the 30th and 31st of August, the festival of the Holy Zone in the area of Kypseli is worth the visit.
Book your Athens tours and activities that are synced with one of the above festivals, and have a chance to live the Greek Experience to the fullest.
Feature Image: Source: Greek Festival by Mysudbury.ca Ouisudbury.ca
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